Nepal's Military Implements Night Hours After Government Overthrow Riots

Nepal's military imposed a ban on activities in public spaces as fragile calm hit the country, Wednesday, a day after massive protests toppled the government of Prime Minister of KP Sharma Oli.

The order to ban activities in public spaces will be in effect until 17.00 local time today (11.15 GMT or 18:15 WIB), after which a curfew will be imposed across the country starting at 06.00 on Thursday (00.15 GMT/07:15 WIB), "said a statement by the Nepalese Army quoted by The Himalayan Times as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Wednesday, September 10.

The military said further decisions would be taken in accordance with developments in the security situation.

Troops were deployed across the country late Tuesday to maintain order, hours after the Oli stepped down under mass pressure.

Protesters burned a number of important government buildings, including parliament buildings, the private residence of the Oli, and the president's office.

The Singha Durbar government complex, which is the center of the ministry, has also suffered severe damage. The Ministry of Health and Population, along with other government offices including the Supreme Court, were reportedly completely destroyed.

At least 20 protesters, mostly young, were killed and nearly 350 others injured since Monday when protests broke out after the government banned the use of social media.

Soldiers were also deployed to maintain order when the masses damaged public facilities and released prisoners.

In his speech late Tuesday, Army Chief of Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel called on the public to remain calm and open up space for dialogue to resolve the crisis in the Himalayan mountain nation.

Jagdishor Panday, editor-in-chief of Nepal Diplomat, told Anadolu on Wednesday the army made a public announcement, asking residents to maintain calm.

"The security forces also asked the public to return the looted goods, including weapons, to the authorities," Panday said by telephone.

Although this protest movement does not have a specific leader, he said the security forces are expected to hold a meeting with a number of figures leading the action.

There are demands for the formation of a temporary government and people from various circles in Nepal are expected to attend this meeting, Panday said, citing General Sigdel as likely to lead the meeting.

Meanwhile, China expressed hope that all parties in Nepal can resolve internal problems appropriately, as well as restore social order and national stability as quickly as possible.

Spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, emphasized that the two countries are 'friendly traditional neighbors.'